Year of the Earth Ox 2009 - Through Feng Shui Astrology

THE SIGN OF THE OX

Born:

1925,1937,1949,1961,1973,1955,1997,2009

(remember if you birthdate is before February 4th in any year the use theprior birth year)

The strong Ox symbolizes prosperity through hard work. They are methodical, calm and dependable. They make tireless, patient workers that can stick to any routine. Laziness is not a option to this creature.

They respect tradition.

They are strong by nature and can persevere what ever life throws their way.

They make excellent parents as they symbolize parental love because of the tenderness and nurturing behaviour they bestow on their calves. They are deeply devoted to their children and families. They possess a quiet, uncomplaining strength. Their steady, reliable character excels in positions of authority and trust. He has a logical mind gifted with intelligence and dexterity.

Although they can be introverted, they have the ability to rise to the occasion and express themselves powerfully and convincingly, that commands respect and attention in any room. His eloquence in speech makes him credible and a patriotic leader. In times of trouble, his presence of mind, refusal to be

intimidated and innate self confidence take over . He is tenacious by nature and can survive incredible adversity. Their capacity to endure the greatest of hardships has kept entire nations and families together. They tend to triumph over life just because of their stubbornness to give in.

They are proud and walk with their shoulders back and head held high.They are at their best during the peaceful hours of the early morning. When the Ox rests he reassembles his great strength to forge ahead through any obstacle of the day ahead.

For 2009:

A Challenging year for career but a great time to decide what you want to specialize in andensure you take the coursesnecessary in order to do so.

Be conservative this year with spending, health and love! Slow and steady can alsowin the race!

2009 Fay Chapple

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fay Chapple is an International Feng Shui Expert, award winning Interior Decorator and Life Coach, and is Principal of the award winning Home & Life Design Firm Blue Avalon.

Blue Avalon specializes in Interior Decorating, Feng Shui and Abundant Living. Blue Avalon is the publisher of The Blue Avalon Journal, a monthly e-zine packed with ideas, tips and insider secrets! To subscribe log on to our site at http://www.blueavalon.com and you'll receive a bonus book, The Number One Feng Shui Secret That Will Transform Your Life!

Blue Avalon - "Harmony for your home... Balance for your life!" http://www.blueavalon.com

Feng Shui Key to Success - Going With the Natural Flow

We're all familiar with the typical feng shui buzz nowadays: wealth corner here, relationship corner there, water fountain, crystals, north, south, east, etc. But there is a much more natural level of feng shui energy flow that meanders through our environments, and the more in tune with it we get, the more easily things will open up and successfully flow in all areas of our lives.

Our homes are truly a mirror reflection of what is going on in our lives and the way you interact with your space is also an indication of how the rest of the world is interacting with you. Literally translated feng shui means "wind" and "water" and a good place to start assessing the energy is imagining these two aspects of Mother Earth flowing through your home -- so ask yourself how do they flow?

Let's take a look at how you and your things are affecting that flow of energy. Literally, how do you flow, or rather walk through and utilize your space on a daily basis? Finding balance in the personal flow of actions through your home is just as essential a part of creating good feng shui energy as what to put in what corner where. I'm talking about the really simple things that together add up and create blocks of energy flow, and in turn, blocks in the movement of your life.

For example, when you wake-up in the morning and reach for your bathrobe, where is it - a natural, easy place close by? You go downstairs to make your morning coffee, where are the mugs and coffee beans - right next to the coffee maker or the other side of the kitchen? From another angle, where do you naturally throw down the mail when you walk through your door each day? Surely we all have that place we intend it to go, but don't we all have that "natural" place that things just somehow wind up and flow to? In a case like that, it's good to honor that area and get a nice basket or container if that's where it naturally ends up.

Sure, overall it's nice to have things all neat and put away, but you have to find balance between what looks good and what is creating natural and unnatural flow in your everyday life. I know we all desire to live in a pristine, everything-put-away, model home atmosphere these days. However, no one really actually has a life in a space like that, it's an energy of emptiness in some ways at that point.

So take some time to assess and become conscious of how much extra unnecessary flow exists in your everyday routines. Notice all the little ways you are constantly swimming upstream against the current of your life. When you can find the balance and go with the natural flow of the physical structure, it is then that you can achieve an important aspect of feng shui and open up to easier flow of successes in your life.

Using the power of Feng Shui can provide additional support in creating success in all areas of your life such as relationships, wealth, career, family and more. Heather Melcer is a certified consultant practicing for over 7 years. If you are interested in learning more, or receiving tips like this each month, please visit: http://www.HarmonyInMotion.com

Copyright 2008, Heather I. Melcer

Heather I. Melcer, owner Harmony In Motion, is a certified feng shui practitioner providing on-site residential and commercial consultations, introductory workshops and free monthly tip e-mails. With a diverse background including publishing, marketing, graphic design, writing, an MFA degree and personal metaphysical studies, her unique gifts blend together to creatively assist people in bringing true harmony and success to their lives. Her intuitive and practical approach integrates this ancient art form into a modern world. Contact: http://www.HarmonyInMotion.com ~ HarmonyInMotionPR@gmail.com

Cooking With Herbs

Cooking with herbs has many benefits besides adding great flavor to your foods. Herbs have been used in culinary creations for thousands of years. They add delicious taste and textures to many of our favorite dishes. However, there is much more to cooking with herbs than just the enhancement of flavor. Medical researchers are starting to report more and more health benefits related to consuming herbs in food. Herbs have helped to cure ailments for thousands of years. Apart from providing remedies for specific health problems, herbs in general are known to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Of course, this is good news if you want to improve your overall health, age better, and avoid disease.

When we eat food that contains a lot of antioxidants, it helps to get rid of the damaging free radicals in our bodies. These free radicals are what cause disease and harm to our organs. Cooking with herbs is a great way to get more antioxidants in your diet. You can reduce the effects of free radicals and stay healthier by doing this. Herbs are extremely potent, and they can really pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Certain herbs have specific health benefits that treat particular ailments. Others work to keep your body running better in general. Let's go over a few of these herbal wonders.

When you want to try cooking with herbs, garlic is a good place to start. It has been shown to thin the blood and lower your cholesterol. It also helps your body resist disease. There are tons of dishes where garlic can be used. Italian food comes to mind, but don't stop there. Many other foods are perfectly suited for garlic. Another popular herb is rosemary. You can make all sorts of meat dished with this herb, and it has been shown to improve circulation, stimulate the liver, ease joint pain, and cut down on headaches. One more herb to try is sage. This herb improves digestion, helps with congestion, and calms the nerves.

Of course, cooking with herbs is not going to protect you completely from all disease and sickness. However, if you make the conscious effort to eat herbs as part of a healthy diet, herbs will provide many healthful benefits. Don't forget that the flavor of your food will improve too. Natural wellness is easily achieved, so take the steps to live healthier now.

Cooking with herbs is only limited by your imagination the author can help you improve your cooking to a higher level, for more information on the use of herbs in cooking and medicinal applications go to http://HerbsForHealthAndTaste.com

The Secrets of the Feng Shui Dragon

The Feng Shui dragon is an incredibly important symbol, and one very much at odds with traditional Western views on the subject. While Western culture tends to vilify dragons, seeing them as overgrown serpents (and subsequently, images of demons), Chinese culture views dragons as powerful protectors.

The Culture

The Feng Shui dragon is inextricably linked with Chinese history. For a long time, the dragon was the symbol of the emperor, and thus represented the emperor's power and responsibility to his people (hence the idea of the dragon as a protector). The Chinese people view themselves as very much a part of the dragon. In fact, many Chinese people refer to themselves as "Descendants of the Dragon." You'll also find many proverbs and idioms related to dragons. For example, it's common for a woman's newborn son to receive a blessing in hopes that he "will become a dragon."

Even though many people view the Feng Shui dragon as mythology and nothing more, Chinese people still revere the symbol in much the same way Western culture would revere, for example, the image of a cross. In fact, a Nike advertisement featuring an athlete slaying a dragon incurred indignation and anger from the Chinese people and was quickly banned throughout China.

Dragons and Their Associations

The Feng Shui dragon isn't limited to Feng Shui at all. Throughout history, Chinese people have viewed the dragon with special reverence and imbued it with a lot of significance. Just a few of the positions the dragon holds in Chinese culture include:

• the protector of the people
• the giver of wealth, prosperity, and success
• the controller of weather and, perhaps strangely, water (as well as, more predictably, fire)
• imperial authority and success

As you can see, the dragon is more than just a myth in China: it's a powerful and ancient symbol that still commands a great deal of respect.

How the Feng Shui Dragon Works for You

If you choose to display the Feng Shui dragon in your home, it can bring about powerful benefits for you and your family. Simply remember the following tips:

• Always treat the dragon's image with respect
• Never display pictures of crippled or dying dragons
• Be careful where you position this powerful image
• Choose colors that match your objectives, since dragons can embody just about any element (most commonly water or fire)

If you follow these basic guidelines, the Feng Shui dragon will bring about prosperity, safety, and happiness in your home!

Learn the feng shui secrets that can bring you love, money, health, and happiness! To learn more, visit me at http://www.fengshuidecoratingonline.com